The meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners was called to order by Chairman Patrick Markey at 5:30 p.m.
Library Commissioners Present:
Helen Boyle
Jennifer Dugan Murphy
Gerald Duquette
Patrick Markey
Bettye Webb
Staff Present:
Emily Bader, Library Director
Lee Fogarty, Assistant Library Director
Mr. Markey called the meeting to order and welcomed a new commissioner, Gerald Duquette of 17 Gillette Ave. in Springfield. Mr. Duquette is a Political Science Professor at Central Connecticut State University.
The Subcommittee charged with drafting the mission statement for the Library Commission presented a draft.
"The mission of the Springfield Board of Library commissioners is to oversee the policy development and services of the city's libraries. We are committed to maintaining the libraries as an essential cultural resource for the diverse communities of Springfield. We will work in partnership with the library administration to respond to community needs and concerns."
After some discussion and public comment, it was decided that the sub-committee would re-draft the mission statement and present it at the 9/23 Commission meeting. The new version will be posted on the Springfield Library website for public comment after the 9/23 meeting.
Patrick Markey discussed the timetable for calling back employees and hiring additional employees. Patrick Markey met with Donna Williams and Joseph Dougherty. Approval was granted to begin the call back procedure through the end of this week. An ad will be prepared for the 9/14 Sunday Republican for all new positions. Emily Bader reported that 3 Library managers have been called back. They will help coordinate the opening of Branches. The next level of staff to be called back are existing library staff, those that bumped into lower positions or part-time positions. The internal call back process will be completed by the end of the week. There is a State and Federal requirement for a 12-day posting period for all new positions. All positions will be posted through 9/26. The interview process will begin as soon as possible after that. Once staff is hired they must be trained. Patrick Markey asked when the Branches would be ready to open and expand hours. Emily Bader replied that a late October date is likely. Patrick Markey suggested that we stagger the openings as staff became available, if possible. Bettye Webb asked about the status of the Volunteer Coordinator position. Emily Bader replied that it is waiting to be posted.
After reviewing the MBLC Trustee handbook, Patrick Markey entertained a motion to authorize the Library Director, Emily Bader to hire staff. Motion to authorize the Library Director to hire staff was made by Jennifer Dugan-Murphy, seconded by Gerald Duquette. Motion Carried.
Patrick Markey thanked the Springfield Republican for printing the branch hours preference form in the 9/7 Sunday Republican. The Library received over 100 responses. The Library will compile a list of Springfield Residents who wish to be contacted either by mail or by e-mail.
Public speakout for Library Hours: A sign up sheet was distributed at the beginning of the meeting. Membesr of the public were asked to speak in order of sign ups.
Comments were presented by the following Springfield residents: Beryl A. Kress; Doris Robinson; Pat Triggs (on behalf of the Forest Park Civic Association and the Forest Park Middle School); Janet Dennie (on behalf of the New North Citizen's Council); Esther Green; Carol Costa; Karen Thomas; Marjorie Guess; Mary Rivest, (on behalf of the Hungry Hill Citizens Council); Ms. Jenkins; Judy Carpenter; Bobby Triggs; Helen Boyle
General summary of comments:
Many residents spoke in favor of closing on Mondays, being open on Saturdays, and agreed that branch hours needed to serve residents of all ages. A combination of morning, afternoon and early evening hours were suggested. Forest Park residents suggested that Forest Park and East Forest Park alternate days and hours when possible. Liberty and East Springfield residents requested that Liberty Branch and East Springfield Branch alternate days and hours.
Specific Neighborhood Council and Civic Association comments:
The Forest Park Civic Association and the Forest Park Middle School suggested the following schedule for the Forest Park Branch:
Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Saturday, 12 noon to 4 p.m.
They stressed that one early evening was important for people after work and one early morning opening at 9 a.m. was important for mothers with children.
The New North Citizen's Council suggested the following schedule for the Brightwood Branch:
Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Thursday, 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 12 noon to 4 p.m.
The Hungry Hill Citizens Council suggested the following schedule for the Liberty Branch Library:
Tuesday, 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Thursday, 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 9a.m. to 5 p.m. ( at least four hours on Saturdays.)
Helen Boyle , on behalf of Sixteen Acres Residents, asked for early morning hours for elderly and retired people.
Public comments and survey results will guide Library Administration and staff to develop and present a draft schedule to the Commission at the September 23rd meeting for review.
Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Approved: September 23, 2003